‘Farm Aid’ For Bruce Springsteen & Jon Bon Jovi?
- Posted on April 10, 2011 at 6:27pm by
Mike Opelka
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Why is the nearly-bankrupt state of New Jersey providing ‘Farm Aid’ to multi-millionaires like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi?
Springsteen and Bon Jovi, two of the biggest names in New Jersey as well as rock and roll have often been called ‘average Joes’, and ‘working man’ types of rockers. But they travel the world in private planes, work when they want to work, and live in mansions surrounded by electronically-monitored gates that most of their fans can only drive past, hoping to catch a glimpse of their heroes.
Springsteen and Bon Jovi are also gaming the system in New Jersey by claiming special ‘farm exemptions’ in order to avoid paying the typical taxes on their property.
- Thanks to a tax exemption for beekeepers Bon Jovi pays a paltry $104 dollars on 6.8 acres of land in Monmouth County.
- Springsteen also found a favorable exemption to help him avoid the standard tax rates on the 200+ acres he uses as a buffer zone around his three-acre home. Because an organic farmer works part of the land, Bruce is charged less than $5000 each year.
Neither of these gentlemen are doing anything illegal. Their tax filings are within the law.
The New York City Fox affiliate filed this report in February, explaining it quite clearly;
Late last month Bruce Springsteen made headlines with a front-page Chris Christie attack Op-Ed in the Asbury Park Press. Mr. Springsteen, a New Jersey resident was obviously concerned about the Governor’s budget cuts;
‘The cuts are eating away at the lower edges of the middle class, not just those already classified as in poverty, and are likely to continue to get worse over the next few years.’
Perhaps New Jersey would not be burdened with massive debt and facing difficult choices about cutting the state’s budget if Mr. Springsteen, Mr. Bon Jovi and those who use these tax loop holes to avoid paying their fair share would step up and urge the politicians to amend the law.
The Garden State’s legislators could raise considerable revenue by closing these loop holes, or updating these obviously antiquated laws, while still protecting real farmers.
Lawyers for the wealthy whiners might contend that these folks are only doing what gigantic corporations like GE do when they earn $14 billion in profits, but pay almost no taxes.
It should also be noted that like GE, Springsteen and Bon Jovi have close ties to the Obama administration.
Recently honored with a Kennedy Center Award, the President said this about Springsteen;
In December of 2010 Jon Bon Jovi was named to the White House Council on Community Services. The PSA below actually plays before Bon Jovi takes the stage;
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Comments (116)
C. Schwehr
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 8:20pmWhen it comes to PROPERTY TAXES, I fault no person for avoiding paying their “RENT TO THE COUNTY”. A person who pays property tax cannot say they own the land they claim…for if anyone can take that property away from you and sell it to someone else just for failing to pay a tax to the state or county…THAT PROPERTY IS NOT YOURS! PROPERTY TAX IS GOVERNMENT RENT ON THEIR PROPERTY!
Now, as for boycotting “The Boss” and JBJ, I’ve been doing that for years, but because they’re commie rat bastards, not because they screw the government out of some of their RENT!
Report Post »The Gooch
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 9:07pmWell said. No one in their right mind wants to pay more in taxes than they have to and you bring up a very good point about the farce of personal/private property in this country. Everything you “own” is by leave of the govt. Don’t believe me? See what the IRS decides to take when you default. They’ll gladly take your record collection and more (tools, toys, and all but the shirt on your back… maybe) to even up with ol’ Uncle Sam. And there ain‘t one damn big R that’s gonna be there to get your back. I believe in paying your debts, and this includes paying for use of public roads and such. Hmm, now how will govt. improve our lot with the property taxes it takes? I get charged for having the temerity to pay for something and care for it without expecting any “help” from govt. Hoorah.
Report Post »I don’t like the behavior being exposed and I recognize it as the “limousine liberal” garbage it is. Where I step off the reservation is with the knee jerk assumption that pigs with the big R behind there names don‘t engage in this same behavior and don’t seek to shape the rules and allow for more of the same. This is one trough that doesn’t recognize party affiliation. What matters is the size of your bank account and how effective your lawyer is. Notice I didn’t say how “good your lawyer is.” As we all know, to utter “good lawyer” is to deliver an oxymoron.
texasfarmer
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 8:19pmLet me tell you something. A number of years ago I destroyed albums, and I had a deep collection, from Springsteen, Joanie Mitchel, Melanie, Country Joe (now that dates me), Bob Dylan, Elton John, Willie and a PILE of others. What hacked me of was the care I took in preserving the vinyl. DBX equipment, no clicks, Stanford and Shure cartridges, Rabco arms, Dynaco tube amps. I kept about 150 and because they aren’t around to pop off anymore. And with Garth and his support for Obama I’m praying George and Reba stay of the straight and narrow.
Report Post »WhatTheHuh
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 8:13pmI guess now that the cat is out of the bag, Bon Jovi and Springsteen will be more than willing to lobby NJ politicians to change the law so that they can pay more taxes on their property. Or does their hypocrisy only extend to what corporations are getting away with? What these morons never seem to understand is no matter how much their state collects in taxes, it will never be enough. The problem is not revenue, but the waste and fraud that goes along with massive government programs. In other words, it’s a spending problem.
Report Post »hidden_lion
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 8:06pmThat is why a flat tax is the best tax. No deductions, no crazy rules to bend or accidently overstep. Just a simple percentage. I bet they would actually make more money from charging a smaller percentage.
Report Post »The Gooch
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 8:05pmHa! Ha! Ha! I laugh at the insinuation that only bastards on the left engage in this garbage. There are plenty of bastards on the right who engage in the same tactics. That’s because they can influence the people who make the rules and hire the people who make a living off of interpreting and using said rules. The Blaze is about a week late on this story. John Stossel did an excellent show on this. Are you going to credit him for this or just own it as yours?
Report Post »The purpose of govt. tends to devolve to protecting the haves; not so much they have nots. To assert this is a “leftist” trait is dishonest. What a limp-wristed, partisan hatchet job. You KNOW you can find folks on the other side who do the same damn thing. Even Stossel owned his use of the system with his ocean front house and golf cart acquisition.
This is what passes for an expose? Brother, own your side‘s bastards when they’re playing the same game, ’cause if you don’t, you just look like another partisan hack. Then again, you may wanna be a partisan hack….
BetterDays
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 8:58pmStossel’s show was great, his “street” attire was superb too!
Report Post »Your absolutely correct in what you stated, this is how rich people keep their millions, by taking advantage of loophole specifically designed for them in local, State, and Federal tax codes.
That is why I support a constitutional amendment abolishing the IRS and establish a flat tax of 15% on all gross income, That is before expenditures. Constitutional amendment to make it hard to change one way or the other, cause you know the “ takers” will try.
Anyway, some folk here pretty much take what is in the story and run with it, and it’s difficult to lose ideological blinders especially after the RINOs just shafted them. Have mercy.
scola91660
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 8:04pmHypocritical dirt bags.
Report Post »TANK3584
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:59pmFARM AID????….RIGHT..More like we will play give us Obamazz a tax relieve…Who are the kidding…boycott them..
Report Post »survivorseed
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:56pmWell I assume you will all be boycotting Michelle Bachmann as well considering she has collected a cool quater of a million in farm subsidies herself.
Report Post »And just to be fair, don’t forget Murdoch and his news corp paid no taxes as well.
RightPolitically
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:54pmA couple of big spending liberals…….ON THEMSELVES. But why blame them. Stupid politicians wrote those laws.
Report Post »mossbrain
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:49pmThis is a very common scam. In California people make use of the Williamson Act to pay pennies on their farm land. In Jackson Hole Wyoming all the multimillionaires create “greenbelts” of undeveloped land around their mansions thus receiving millions in tax breaks.
Report Post »Wilkins
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 11:00pmAny such tax breaks should only go to a ‘farmer’ who has all, or substantially all (like 90%) of his income from agricultural operations. BS & BJ should willingly pay their fair share before they dare open their yaps about ‘the rich’ not pulling their weight. I‘ll never again get the same pleasure from Springstein’s music, and regret ever buying it. Won’t make that mistake again.
Report Post »338lapua
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:40pmAND……Just exactly who is surprised? Those of us who are CONTINUOUSLY accused of benefiting from these “tax breaks for the rich” end up working overtime so these @ssclowns can b!tch and whine about their “working class” buddies who actually ARE rich getting screwed by the man. Whenever they b!tch about me, they really are looking in the mirror and feeling guilty.
Report Post »temple62
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:40pmYou can fool all the liberals all of the time!
Report Post »THEREALNORM
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:32pmI am extremey well versed in this tax situation. Withoiut this tax break there would be zero farming and undeveloped space in NJ. Yes, it seems really unfair for the rich to get this break but many humble farmers were just plain extorted out of their homes before it went into effect (I was one of them)…40 years ago. Land use is waay too sophisticated for most to have any clue as to what is what. People know nothing of local govt. but plenty about federal issues.
Report Post »P.S> I am the real person Norm from Cheers was based on.
starman70
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:56pmYes, farm land needs a special use tax rate. Those who formulate he farm rates don’t have the power to check ones tax returns to see if they are rich. Springsteen and BonJovi should not have their accountants apply for any specialty tax rates as they can well afford to pay the full rate. However doing away with such tax breaks would definately destroy agriculture as the “Average Joe” farmer could never pay the outrageous tax charged in most Northeastern states.
Report Post »mcpbob
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:30pmi never liked springsteen, he is a hypocrate, and he is caught in his own bullcrap now, the talks the talk but he can’t walk the walk … just like the other “ENTERTAINERS”…. us regular people have to foot the bill for all their greedy lifestyles
Report Post »I Believe In American Exceptionalism
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:17pmI’ve been a Bruce Springsteen fan for 35 years and his music has gotten me through many tough times. Someday I hope to say that to him in person, but sadl, his music is no longer congruent with his own life and choices. Tax breaks for the rich, powerful, and connected is a FAR CRY from the common man who’s just trying to make ends meet for himself and his family.
Instead of singing about “the bank taking my mortgage away” (from Johnny 99), maybe Bruce should pen a song about how General Electric is making $5.1 Billion in profit but paying absolutely no federal income tax. Or does that come a little too close to home?
Report Post »GeorgieJo
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:17pmDidn’t Brucie show up for Johnny Heinz Kerry for campaign in 08?
Report Post »I think it was in Florida
Never bought Heinz catsup never bought a Brucie CD
Ditto for BonneJovy
NOBALONEY
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:15pmIts been like this for decades, not only for the state of new jersey. The federal government, and many states have these tax breaks. It’s on all of us to get our local, state, and congressional representatives to stop this milking by these freeloaders. It’s not going to be easy, just follow what governor christie is going through in trying to make a difference. The democrates, and unions, are fighting him with everything they have. The governor is standing firm. I don’t want him to be on any 2012 or 2016 ticket, because I believe he‘s new jersey’s best, and only hope in putting things back on the right track.
Report Post »My2
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:15pmOh! I finally understand! All I have to do is SAY the rich aren’t paying their fair share and I get a progressive gold star and much much love, the actual fact that I’m gaming the system to avoid paying my fair share does not matter.
Report Post »Amica
Posted on April 11, 2011 at 12:16amExactly! Liberalism is all about your intentions, and how you feel.
Report Post »streetrodder
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:09pmI’m going to catch a bee and keep it in a jar and start growing 1 organic plant. Than i can be like Jon Bon and Brusie.
Report Post »Al J Zira
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:04pmI live in NJ and it’s still the most corrupt state in the nation. We have our own Soros and his name is George Norcross. The man runs the entire state i.e.. political appointees, his brother magically wins a state senate seat with no political experience. If you want to become a politician in NJ you have to pay homage to Nocross and of course be a democrat.
Report Post »GeorgieJo
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:10pmAL
Report Post »Funny what you wrote sounds like Illinois
Just saying………….
Chicago Ray
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:13pmThat is does, only Illinois’ is like a Minority Handout Free For All. So bad there’s a 4 year waiting list for section 8 housing!!! No Lie.
Report Post »teapartyguardian
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 6:56pmThese liberal performers do not even have a clue how the lawyers scam for them. Useful idiots…
Report Post »The Gooch
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 8:08pmUh, I’m pretty sure they know EXACTLY the game that is being played. And neither party is guilt free with this behavior. People tend to look out for their own self-interests and hiring lawyers who know how to skirt rules and take advantage of loopholes is one way to do this. It’s a tactic of the rich regardless of their political affiliation. Go figure.
Report Post »Chicago Ray
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 6:47pmJohn Stossel was all over this on that FOX Freeloaders special that they’ve been replaying the living &^%^$ out of even this weekend. Funny thing is Stossel himself showed how he gamed the system to get a free golf cart, home exemptions on a beach house the government helped rebuild after getting washed out…unreal.
Report Post »Templar Knight
Posted on April 11, 2011 at 1:27amIndeed it was on more than two weeks ago. It‘s a great special especially how they compare the Indian tribes that receive help from the government compared to the ones that don’t. But it’s so frustrating when your hear about Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. They should both be thrown in jail for cheating the tax system like that. As well the politicians that support these radical ways to cheat the tax codes.
Report Post »Mateytwo Barreett
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 6:47pmBS’s most known song- wait for it – - – BORN IN THE USA!!!
Report Post »Fix the tax system- -No thanks- last time I appealed my taxes (real estate)- they went up another 80%.
Am I the only one that notices that EVERY government building has been replaced, with something a whole lot bigger and nicer!
I think it would be nice if if Brucy and Joni would just remember WHAT tey are.
thomas242007
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 6:40pmplease watch this video! islamo fascism caught on tape here in america! please please please watch this Typical Muslim behavior at UCF – Caught on film http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OobbSUZEuzg&feature=feedlik
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 6:30pmThat’s why this TAX system sucks , is anyone gonna fix it ?
Report Post »lovenfl3
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 6:35pmRight on Robert. I used to really like Springsteen until I went to one of his concerts and received a political agenda instead of a set list. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68uzsXdMLS4 I was yelling…just sing me a song….song boy.
Report Post »BIGJAYINPA
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 6:39pmAs I recall the Dumbocrats tries to make a big deal about Jon Runyon using the same tax rules by keeping donkeys on his land in South Jersey. I guess it is bad for Repubs but good for Liberals…Just sayin’
Report Post »Revere1
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 6:44pmThe tax system is messed up because liberals have a fundamentally skewed idea of what a tax system is supposed to accomplish: http://www.battlefield315.com/2011/02/liberal-taxes-explained.html They think it’s about wealth redistribution.
Report Post »cheezwhiz
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 6:45pm‘The cuts are eating away at the lower edges of the middle class, not just those already classified as in poverty, and are likely to continue to get worse over the next few years.’
Report Post »————–
So why don‘t Hussain’s fluffers write an extra check of $ 10,000 every year .I’m sure they spend much more than that EVERY NIGHT drinking and partying with drugs anyway
Robert-CA
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 6:45pm@ BIGJAYINPA
Did you really read what I said ? I never mentioned democrats or republicans .
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:13pmHow bout a boycott of Brucie & Johnny until they voluntarily pony what they would ordinarily owe on those properties.
Isn’t that what true “working people” should want them to do?
You know……. redistribute some of that green boys.
Hey hey
Ho ho
Bruce & Johnny
Pay what you owe
This is what a screwed up democratic “REPUBLIC” looks like
Report Post »GRIZDOG
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:17pmBy “anyone” you mean “us”! Because we are the only ones who will vote in the reps who have the balls to make such a change. Anyone running for office these days must do so with the same mentality with which one becomes a soldier; with the understanding that it may very likely cost him his life. Any less commitment than this will not be able to accomplish the changes that need to be made in our nation.
Report Post »THEREALNORM
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:26pmWithout this tax breal everything in NJ would be developed this has been around for 40 years. Without this taz break there would be zero farming in the Garden State.
Report Post »streetrodder
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:28pm@THERIGHTSOFBILLY. Allready boycotting BS and never did like Bon Jovi.
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:35pm@Streetrodder
I like that “BS” & “BJ”
Report Post »streetrodder
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 7:43pm@Therightsofbilly, Yea, with initials like that they should work for Barry’s administration
Report Post »BuckOfama
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 8:23pmCan’t stand either one of these posers and wish all of the fake actor, singer, loser endowipes only the worst……
Report Post »theonefromabove
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 8:36pmSounds like a loophole that needs to be fixed.
http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos
Report Post »sooner12
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 8:53pmJist give CC time. He’s cleaning that state up!
Report Post »exdem
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 9:44pmNo wonder Hollywood has its lips firmly planted on the dems @zzes.
Report Post »Rollo2
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 10:34pmfairtax.org
Report Post »CatB
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 10:46pmLIberals Progressives are so two faced .. .they want EVERYONE else to pay .. except them! PAY UP BOYS! You should be embarrassed at this SCAM!
Report Post »nosycophant
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 10:48pmNever liked either of these no talent fools.
Report Post »A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on April 10, 2011 at 11:05pmFlat state taxes according to the consent of the governed in their respective states. Zero individual federal taxes.
Report Post »beekeeper
Posted on April 11, 2011 at 6:51amI live in NJ, and as I understand it the requirement to qualify for farmland assessment are land of a certain size (5 acres? Not sure) and a ‘farming activities’ that produce $500/yr of income. Not profit, income. The rules could easily be rewritten to increase the income requirement, redefine what qualifies as a ‘farming activity’ and maybe reconsider the acreage requirement (a five acre farm is very small).
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on April 11, 2011 at 8:27amThis is A-typical for the do as I say no as I do elitists.
Report Post »ishka4me
Posted on April 11, 2011 at 9:01ambruce springsteen the progressive activist is a tax cheat? too funny
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on April 11, 2011 at 9:09amLet’s not forget folks like Dan Rather, who get millions of dollars for (literally) pig farming.
Report Post »lindap1667
Posted on April 12, 2011 at 4:15pmWelcome to captalism, its been this way for hundreds of years so do you think the rich are going to want to change it. I am a lower middle class and can barely afford my 1000 plus taxes a year and would love to have a write off. I instead give all my taxes from full time earnings each year, back for property taxes (something is wrong here).
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